S.Pellegrino has opened applications in Chinese Mainland for the 7th edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, inviting chefs under 30 to enter one of the world’s leading platforms for emerging culinary talent.
Founded in 2015, the Academy has grown from an international competition into a wider global network connecting young chefs with mentors, industry leaders, and peers across different culinary cultures.
For young chefs in China, the program offers more than a chance to compete.
It is also a stage to express personal identity, local memory, and new ideas through food.
Applications opened on April 13, 2026, and will run until June 9, 2026.
Eligible chefs are asked to submit a signature dish that reflects their technical skill, creativity, and personal philosophy.
The competition is divided into 15 global regions, with initial selection conducted by ALMA, The School of Italian Culinary Arts.
Shortlisted candidates from China will move on to the regional finals, and the China winner will represent the region at the global Grand Finale.
This year’s program also continues to place strong emphasis on mentorship.
The 2024–2025 global winner, Ardy Ferguson, will join a dedicated mentorship exchange with Julien Royer of Odette in Singapore and Jeremy Chan of Ikoyi in London, gaining hands-on experience through a three-week collaboration.
In China, the Academy will also host a series of launch activities across Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and Guangzhou, including roundtable talks, chef sharing sessions, and networking opportunities with past winners, jurors, and industry professionals.
Liu Chang, Head Chef of GIADA Garden and China Champion of the 2016 edition, said the experience pushed him to think more deeply about his own cooking.
“During that time, you constantly question yourself: why this dish, why you, and what does it represent?”
he said, adding that the process changed the way he approached cooking and helped him find greater clarity as a chef.
The competition will also present three special awards, recognizing social responsibility, cultural heritage, and the ability to express personal beliefs through cuisine.
For young chefs ready to take their ideas beyond the kitchen pass, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy opens doors to a wider international culinary path, one where technique, culture, and personal voice all matter.
Applications and more information are available via the official S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy platform.
For applications and more information, please visit:
https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com
[All images courtesy of S.Pellegrino]
